Arkansas Circuit Court Judge John Threet to Speak at School of Law Commencement

Arkansas Circuit Court Judge John Threet will deliver the U of A School of Law commencement address at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in Barnhill Arena. The ceremony will be live streamed on the official U of A YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person.

"We are honored to have Judge Threet address our graduates," Dean Cynthia Nance said. "His dedication to both the law and his community will resonate with students preparing to enter the profession."

After earning his Bachelor of Science in economics from Ouachita Baptist University, Threet graduated from the U of A School of Law with his Juris Doctor in 1990. He began his legal career as a deputy public defender. In 1993, he joined the Washington County Prosecutor's Office, where he spent over a decade and built a reputation for fairness, preparation and courtroom skill.

After five years, he was appointed chief deputy prosecuting attorney under Prosecutor Terry Jones. He later served as prosecuting attorney for the Fourth Judicial District, where he oversaw major felony prosecutions in Madison and Washington counties and handled other complex cases, including those resulting in death penalty verdicts. Elected to the circuit court bench in 2015, Threet now presides over a broad docket including criminal, civil, family and probate matters.

Over the course of his career, Threet has been recognized for both his professional accomplishments and his commitment to the community. Early in his tenure as a prosecutor, he was named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal "Forty Under 40" in recognition of his service and leadership. In 2025, he received the Wes Gordon Deeds Award from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for his impactful contributions to the community, extending beyond his judicial responsibilities.

Service to the community has been a hallmark of Threet's career. He has frequently been invited to speak as part of the Arkansas Public Service Academy and has addressed schools and civic organizations on legal issues, public safety, and the justice system. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Fayetteville.

After 36 years of service at the Washington County Courthouse, Threet will retire in December 2026. His career has been defined by a deep commitment to justice, community education, and public trust in the legal system. He lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Joan.

About the University of Arkansas School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. and is home to the nation's first LL.M. program in agriculture and food law. Led by nationally recognized faculty, the school offers students pro bono work, live client clinics, public service fellowships, competitions, and much more. Students also benefit from our location in one of the fastest growing, most livable, and economically vibrant regions in the U.S., and from our corporate externship partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Our alumni have gone on to become judges, senators, and governors, and we serve communities throughout our state and nation through programs such as the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative. Follow us at @uarklaw.